Uzodimma Warns Imo APC Aspirants Not to Risk Children’s School Fees on Primaries

Amby Uneze in Owerri

After the primaries, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma cautioned APC aspirants seeking Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly tickets to prioritize loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice rather than risking their children’s school fees on the party’s primary elections that began on May 15, 2026.

During a meeting with aspirants, party leaders, and stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma described politics as “not a lottery but a game of courage,” noting that “some people will win and some will not.”

The governor warned against desperation and urged candidates to remain committed to the party before, during, and after the primaries, stating, “there is a need for loyalty to the party. That is what our partisan democracy requires.”

While acknowledging that political contests can feel like a game, Uzodimma advised aspirants to carefully assess the risks before entering the race, adding, “don’t use the money meant for your children’s school fees to buy form if you cannot bear the risk.”

He also called for respect of zoning and equity principles, noting that the party would employ Option A4 voting in the primaries to promote transparency and prevent accusations of favoritism where consensus could not be reached.

To ensure a smooth, conflict‑free process, Uzodimma urged candidates and stakeholders to observe equity and rotation formulas where applicable in their communities, and confirmed that the APC Committee for the conduct of primaries and an Appeal Committee have been established to address grievances.

The governor expressed concern that the large number of aspirants for various offices required a disciplined approach to ensure the primaries benefit both the state and the party. “We don’t want Imo State to go back to Egypt,” he said.

Chief Austin Onyedebelu, State Chairman of the APC, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity, reconciliation, and electoral success, noting that the State Executive Committee has taken steps to reposition the party for “greater efficiency, unity and service.”

Onyedebelu acknowledged grievances from the primaries but said reconciliation mechanisms have been activated to maintain harmony among members. He praised Uzodimma for approving a new state‑of‑the‑art APC Secretariat, calling it a lasting legacy for the party in Imo State, and commended the governor for the state’s infrastructure development.

Senators Osita Izunaso, Patrick Ndubueze, and Ezenwa Onyewuchi spoke on behalf of Senate aspirants, aligning with the party’s principles and pledging unwavering loyalty to APC leadership at both state and national levels.

Other speakers included Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha and Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu for House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, respectively, and Prince Lemmy Akakem on behalf of party leaders.

All participants pledged to accept and support “whatever decision the party takes” in the interest of its members, and expressed full confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership of the Imo APC.

Attendees also included Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly Hon. Chike Olemgbe, former deputy governors Lady Ada Okwuonu, Prof. Placid Njoku, and Sir Jude Agbaso, Secretary to the State Government Chief Cosmos Iwu, and Chief of Staff to the Governor Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie.